Healthy Homebound Mindset Challenge – Day 9

Day 9 – Part I Your Mindset – We have covered a lot of ground over two weeks.  From, shock and overwhelm to distraction and getting back on track.  As a reminder, wherever you are on the COVID 19 rollercoaster is understandable and acceptable.  I myself bounce between the highs of feeling optimistic about getting on with life to low moments when I wonder how I will keep my business moving forward.  This will continue so acceptance is important right now.  We spoke of this earlier in the challenge so please refer back if this is where you are.

For those who are currently in the ready to move on space, this one is for you today.  For the day 9 challenge, we consider which emotional intelligence skills can be most helpful to leaders right now.  As an emotional intelligence certified coach, I know just how critical EI skills are to us as leaders and as good humans.  Simply put, EI measures four aspects of our lives:

• How well we know ourselves
• How well we manage ourselves
• How much we understand and pick up on the cues of others and;
• How well we manage our engagement with others.

There is a plethora of research on the impact of EI.  Let me know if you want to learn more about what growing your EI can do for you personally and professionally.  The tool I use, the EQi 2.0 assessment, breaks EI into fifteen research-based components.  A study based on these elements* discovered five EI components that are most important for transformational leadership.  Has there ever been a time when we needed transformational leadership more?  These five factors are:  optimism, self-actualization, empathy, problem-solving and assertiveness.  Here are quick definitions of each:

• Optimism – Your ability and tendency to look at the brighter side of life and to maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity.  It gives you hope for the future.
• Self-Actualization – Your ability and tendency to want to grow and strive to see your potential, set meaningful goals and work toward your betterment and fulfillment.
• Empathy – Your ability and willingness to take notice of and be sensitive to other people’s needs and feelings.
• Problem-Solving – Through the lens of emotional intelligence, this measures your ability and tendency to solve problems that involve emotion and to use emotions as an effective problem-solving tool
• Assertiveness – Your ability to put your needs, thoughts, and opinions out into the world – even when doing so invites opposition, conflict or causes you to take a stand.

Your EI Challenge – To serve your team, family, clients and community as a transformational leader, which 1-2 of these skills do you need to focus on the most?  In what ways can you work on these? How will you measure your success? Let me know if you need ideas for this – post in the comments or reach out to me.

Part II – Giving to Others – Our giving to others focus challenges you to support a non-profit organization or someone who lives alone and could be struggling with isolation.  A friendly call or check in could certainly provide much needed support and connection.  I plan on stretching here beyond immediate family and friends.  In the non-profit space, let’s focus on those needing more support during the pandemic.  Food banks certainly have growing needs as their list of disadvantaged clients continues to increase.

*based on research from book, The EQ Edge:  Emotional Intelligence and Your Success.